South Korea Successfully Launches Second Military Spy Satellite

April 8, 2024

South Korea has successfully launched its second domestically developed military spy satellite into orbit. The satellite, carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, was launched from an American space centre. This achievement follows the successful launch of South Korea’s first military spy satellite in December 2022, which was also carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Space Race on the Korean Peninsula

The successful launch of South Korea’s second military spy satellite further intensifies the ongoing space race on the Korean peninsula. In November 2022, North Korea launched its first military eye in the sky, showcasing its own advancements in satellite technology.

South Korea’s first satellite has already demonstrated its capabilities by transmitting high-resolution images of central Pyongyang to the authorities in Seoul. It is expected to commence its full mission stages as early as June, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.

South Korea’s Ambitious Satellite Plan

As part of its efforts to bolster military surveillance, South Korea plans to launch a total of five military spy satellites by 2025. Once all five satellites are in orbit and operational, the South Korean military will have the capability to monitor key facilities in North Korea using imagery sent around every two hours.

North Korea’s Satellite Developments

Meanwhile, North Korea has claimed that its spy satellite, Malligyong-1, has successfully sent images of a US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and other “major target” sites across South Korea. The successful launch of Malligyong-1 in November 2022 marked Pyongyang’s third attempt at placing such a satellite in orbit, following two failed attempts in May and August of the same year.

Alleged Collaboration between North Korea and Russia

South Korean authorities have alleged that North Korea received technical assistance from Russia for the successful launch of its spy satellite. According to Seoul, this assistance was provided in exchange for North Korea supplying weapons to Russia for use in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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